Hot takes only: A B2B social media fire-round with Hilary Engel

In this fire-round episode of Behind the Post, Hilary takes on the most heated debates in B2B social, from whether timing still matters to the fate of hashtags in 2025.

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Episode Summary

“Even if you don’t think you need the breather, take the breather.”

Hilary Engel has been there, posted that. In this episode of Behind the Post, she brings over a decade of digital marketing expertise to tackle the spiciest social media debates in B2B. From whether hashtags are dead (spoiler: mostly) to if timing your posts still matters (it does), Hilary drops fire takes with zero fluff.

Currently a solo social team of one at the global law firm, Faegre Drinker, Hilary shares how she handles it all, from writing posts to running social training across 1,200+ professionals. Her POV? Social isn’t just a marketing function, it’s a full-blown strategy that deserves the same respect as any other business unit.

You’ll also hear Hilary get candid about the mental load of community management, why follower count means nothing without engagement, and what she wishes every department understood about social media managers (hint: it’s not just scrolling all day).

If you’re managing social solo, stuck in the “just for branding” mindset, or trying to win debates at your next team meeting, this episode is your cheat sheet.

Hot Topics:

• Hilary’s spicy (and smart) takes on hashtags, CTAs, and follower count
• The real reason timing still matters, even in 2025
• How to gracefully exit platforms that no longer fit your strategy
• What every non-social team needs to know about your job

Hit play to hear a social media manager who really gets it. Then go take that breather, you’ve earned it.

Meet Hilary

Hilary Engel is an accomplished social media and digital communications professional with over a decade of experience. Her industry expertise and deep understanding of professional services marketing are complemented by a strategic mindset and a hands-on approach to content creation.

Based in Minnesota, Hilary is a passionate advocate for clear communication, data-informed strategy, and authenticity. As the social media manager for global law firm Faegre Drinker, she leads the development and execution of the social media strategy overseeing content development, community management, employee advocacy, paid advertising, social listening, analytics, and internal training.

Her work supports business development goals, enhances brand visibility, and builds meaningful engagement across a range of platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and other emerging networks.

Prior to Faegre Drinker, Hilary held key marketing roles at Hinshaw & Culbertson, where she focused on digital content strategy and attorney biography development. She began her journey in the legal industry at Stoel Rives as a core member of the client services team.

Hilary earned her M.A. in political psychology from Arizona State University and holds a B.A. in sacred music from Bethel University.

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